Petr Cech says he is "100 per cent ready" to play for Chelsea after his shock inclusion in the Blues' squad for the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.
Cech, 38, was named in Frank Lampard's 25-man squad last month as an emergency goalkeeping option and a non-contract player.
His last appearance came for Arsenal in the Europa League final in May 2019, while he has since been working as a technical and performance advisor for Chelsea.
And although he has not played in over a year, Cech insists he is feeling re-energised and is ready to add to his 494 Chelsea appearances.
The four-time Premier League winner told Telefoot : "It’s true that it would have been a professional error to do this if I wasn’t at Premier League level, but that’s not the way we work here.
"I know I’m 100 per cent ready to help if needs be. I’m fit, and with the two months of training, I’ve seen I have the same quality.
What should Chelsea's goalkeeping pecking order be? Have your say here.
"Furthermore, I rested for a year without playing football. It really gave me energy, my body recovered after playing 20 years as a professional.
"If the circumstances put me on the pitch, I’m ready."
Cech will provide backup for Chelsea shot-stoppers Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero.
The Blues signed Mendy from Rennes in September for a reported fee of £22million and the Senegal star has made a big impression at Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old has not conceded in his first three Premier League appearances - a record he shares with Cech - and has kept five consecutive clean sheets across all competitions.
Mendy was especially impressive during the 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford nine days ago, and Lampard's move to replace error-prone Kepa appears to be paying dividends.
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.
